As in 2012, the large number of SAAL nominations for the Bay Sheffield
(again over 860) made the inclusion of the three SAMA races uncertain
until 18th December. The two days of the Carnival had:-

-- 119 heats and
-- 24 finals,
-- 2 very short breaks for officials on day 1,
-- 25 presentations to first 3 place-getters,
-- a motorcade of SAAL 'Hall of Fame' and Life Members,
-- one parade of finalists in the 120m Open Bay Sheffield,
-- one parade of finalists in the 120m Womens' Gift,
-- singing of the National Anthem.

All of that in less than 19 hours, with all events on time. That is,
as usual, a marvelous achievement. Its planning obviously involves
a lot of time and very good judgement, with much of the detail not
able to be done until all the SAAL race nominations have been
received. I can remember our Club's events in the early 1980s, at
Colly Reserve and Cambden, and I consider it wonderful that we have
had our races included in the Carnival since then, while the size
of the Bay Sheffield has grown since then.

Some THANK YOUs.

First, and foremost, to the Athletic League, for including our three
races in what was a very full Carnival programme.

Then to Glynn Boyce and Elaine McFarlane, who for at least the last
four years, have helped the SAAL Equipment Manager with setting up
the lanes, flags etc. at Colly Reserve in the morning of race day.

Thanks to both of them, plus Gillian and George White, Jill Rogers,
Dave Trembath and Maureen O'Connell for helping with the packing up
of equipment, plus tents and boxes of flowers, etc. after the final
Day 1 event. This activity over recent years has been our form of
'Thank You' to the Athletic League. For us it also meant staying for
the last few races. They included some very impressive young runners.

Thank you to all entrants who were able to race. We hope they
enjoyed the the event. All three races were excellent.

Injuries prevented 8 of our entrants from racing, several well
before race day, and, unfortunately, all in the two 120m events.